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Thursday, 17 May 2007

What’s it all about Alfie?

.......to quote a movie and song from the 60’s. It’s a question to ponder more than once, I think. And so as I sit here in Bahai .... Harbor in Luperon, Dominican Republic and I ask myself - What’s it all about?

I don’t have an answer but I still think it’s an important question.

I got an email from my sister Cindy today. It was great to hear from her. She was glad to know that we eventually got to the DR safely though our sail was more than she wanted to think about. I understand. She told me what was happening with her crew (family) and ended the message with - miss you.

Indeed. I miss her too. I miss my step-daughter and son-in-law. I miss my brother and both my sisters and in-laws. I miss my nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles. Ultimately I miss all my friends and relatives. At the same time I don’t feel totally unattached. It’s true that there are times when we can’t communicate because Enee Marie is nowhere near civilization. An internet signal or telephone is nowhere to be found. Still I think about them and know they’re thinking about me/us.

So why in the hell are we out in the middle of no-man’s land or sea as the case may be? What’s it all about Alfie?

It’s about living a dream but still maintaining closeness with those you love. It’s about discovering something extraordinary about the world and yourself and still trying to stay as close as you can with those you love. It’s about still being curious and inquisitive and explorative (maybe a word) in a world that often makes itself out to be rather predictable, at least in the good ol’ USofA.

I know that Scott really misses Leah and that Leah really misses Scott. They are so close and this distance is very difficult for both of them.

How do you maintain a close relationship when you are many miles apart. No simple answer here. Daily communication is not possible at this time. Although if Leah and Jason get an ssb radio we could be in constant communication. Perhaps that is something for us to work on.

We began this journey not having all the answers up front. It would be impossible to do so. We knew there were going to be difficulties along the way. We hope that we can find ways to make it work. Maybe Scott and I are being rather selfish. We are interested in sailing, cruising, exploring while we can. We know this won’t last forever. Already we question how long we can physically do this. And everyday we miss those back home. But for whatever reason we both have this adventure bug that keeps us wanting to continue on. Life isn’t forever and I suppose it is what you make it.

So what’s it all about Alfie?

We’re still wondering. And we still want to explore the possibilities.